NEWARK, NJ — With the latest blast of winter weather expected to move into the region starting this evening, NJ TRANSIT is closely monitoring the storm, with operations, customer service and police personnel taking proactive steps to minimize delays and ensure service reliability.

All customers are strongly advised to check njtransit.com before traveling for up-to-the-minute service information before starting their trip.

Systemwide Cross-Honoring in Effect: To give customers additional travel options during the expected winter weather conditions, NJ TRANSIT will offer full systemwide cross-honoring all day Saturday, February 11, enabling customers to use their ticket or pass on an alternate travel mode—rail, bus or light rail. For example, customers who normally take the bus from Rutherford to the Port Authority Bus Terminal may use their bus pass on the train from Rutherford to New York Penn Station. Similarly, customers who normally take the bus between Atlantic City and Lindenwold may use the Atlantic City Rail Line instead at no additional charge.

NJ TRANSIT is reminding customers of the following winter weather travel tips:

Before starting your trip, visit the Travel Alerts page at njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information. This information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 and from broadcast traffic reports. Customers with web-enabled mobile devices can access real-time service information via the mobile version of njtransit.com. To access the site, simply enter njtransit.com on your mobile device.

Allow extra time getting to and from your station or bus stop. Use extreme caution when walking on exposed sidewalks, parking lots and station platforms, as well as when boarding trains and buses. Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crewmembers or other NJ TRANSIT personnel.

If you park at the station, remember to have a shovel and snow scraper in your vehicle. You may have to clear your car when you return.

NJ TRANSIT Preparations for Winter Weather

Rail Operations

Hundreds of rail cars and locomotives have been "winterized," a process that includes checking onboard heating systems, ventilation, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components, as well as changing locomotive filters and fuel from a summer blend to a winter blend.

NJ TRANSIT's preventative maintenance program also includes the inspection and winter maintenance of more than 750 switches and switch heaters, overhead wire systems, 12 moveable bridges and wayside power at storage yards and terminals.

Two jet-engine-powered snow blowers are available to remove ice and snow from tracks and critical switching areas. In addition, all locomotives are equipped with snowplows to clear snow from the rails.

NJ TRANSIT Rail Operations has 20,000 pounds of salt on hand with the ability to obtain an additional 100,000 pounds, if needed.

Bus snow-fighting equipment has been readied and ice/snow-inhibiting supplies have been restocked for winter to keep 52 bus loops, terminals and lots cleared throughout the state.

NJ TRANSIT Bus Operations has 600 tons of bulk salt on standby statewide, with each of its 15 garages stocked with bag salt.

Vendor contracts have been finalized to perform plowing of larger park/ride facilities.

Light Rail Operations

Snowplows are ready to clear station platforms and park/ride lots.

All switch heaters have been tested and are working as intended.

Additional operations and maintenance employees have been placed on alert.

Stations and Terminals

All rail stations equipped with heaters have been inspected to ensure that they are in proper working order.

All public address systems at rail stations and bus terminals have been inspected.

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 895,000 weekday trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 164 rail stations, 60 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.